Early life exposure to green spaces found to impact improved childhood development scores

Socioeconomic status is among the strongest predictors of optimal childhood development but a growing body of research suggests children’s early exposure to green spaces near their homes could also play a significant role. In its study, BC Children’s Hospital assessed the influence of different types of urban, residential green spaces on childhood development and how this differed from the influence of paved spaces. The researchers found that early life exposures to trees and grass were associated with increased Early Development Instrument scores, with a stronger association for tree exposure. Increased exposure to paved surfaces, on the other hand, was associated with reduced EDI scores. While the impact of green spaces on childhood development was relatively small, especially in comparison to socioeconomic status and other family factors, the study indicates it has important implications for public health.